Overview
Blood pressure is the pressure of blood moving through the arteries. Hypertension means this pressure stays too high on repeated measurement, which can strain blood vessels and organs over time. Because it usually develops quietly, many people only learn they have it during a routine check.
Key Symptoms
Most people with hypertension do not feel unwell, which is why it is sometimes called a silent condition. Very high blood pressure can sometimes occur with symptoms such as severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, vision changes, or nosebleeds, but symptoms alone cannot reliably show whether blood pressure is high.
Causes and Risk Factors
In many adults, high blood pressure develops from a mix of genetic, lifestyle, and aging-related factors rather than one single cause. Risk factors include older age, family history, excess body weight, diets high in salt, low physical activity, tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, stress, diabetes, kidney disease, and some medicines or medical conditions. Pregnancy can also be linked with high blood pressure in some people.
Who Is Affected
Hypertension is common worldwide and can affect adults in every region. It becomes more common with age, but younger adults can also have it. Some groups have higher rates or face greater barriers to diagnosis and treatment because of social, economic, or healthcare access factors.
Prevention
Not every case can be prevented, but healthy habits can lower risk. Helpful steps include staying physically active, limiting salt, eating a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, managing stress, and keeping regular healthcare visits. Checking blood pressure regularly is also important.
Diagnosis and Tests
Hypertension is diagnosed by measuring blood pressure with a cuff, usually on more than one occasion unless the reading is dangerously high. A healthcare professional may recommend home or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to confirm the diagnosis. Other tests may be used to look for organ effects or related conditions, such as blood tests, urine tests, or heart and kidney assessments.
Treatment Categories
Treatment often starts with lifestyle changes and may also include prescription medicines when needed. The type of treatment depends on blood pressure level, overall health, and whether there is heart, kidney, or other disease. Ongoing follow-up is important because treatment plans sometimes need adjustment over time.
Living With It
Living with hypertension usually means long-term monitoring and daily self-care. It can help to keep track of blood pressure readings, attend follow-up appointments, and take medicines exactly as directed by a healthcare professional. Many people feel well even when blood pressure is high, so sticking with treatment matters even without symptoms.
Diet and Lifestyle
Food and activity habits can make a meaningful difference. Many people are advised to reduce sodium, eat more whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains, and stay active most days of the week. If you use tobacco, getting help to stop can lower cardiovascular risk, and reducing alcohol may also help.
When It May Be an Emergency
Seek urgent medical help right away if very high blood pressure is suspected along with warning signs such as chest pain, severe shortness of breath, weakness on one side, trouble speaking, confusion, fainting, seizures, or sudden vision changes. These symptoms may signal a hypertensive emergency, stroke, heart problem, or another serious condition needing immediate care.